Studying large groups of elderly minimizes some of the issues associated with agerelated differences in hemodynamic responses. Plasticity The fact that the brain reorganizes with age and the finding that old rats in enriched environments

sprout, neurons suggest that the aging brain can be characterized by plasticity and the potential for experience to enhance function. The prospect for enhancement of brain function in response to experience in late adulthood contrasts considerably with recent conclusions that there are few behavioral gains in cognition that occur as we age.88 There is very substantial Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical evidence that cognitive decline is an unavoidable concomitant of normal aging.5,13 However, although cognitive declines occur for all adults with increasing age, the declines may be steeper when not Cediranib modulated across the life span by stimulating experience. Once again, neural findings Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical suggest the importance of studying the role of training and rich life experiences on not only maintenance of cognitive function, but, also brain reorganization. This is again a case where a focused study of only older adults could yield important and interpretable findings. Conclusion A strong linkage Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical of neural and behavioral research on aging will ultimately lead to an understanding of what

is needed to be neurally fit. Only 40 years ago, we had little understanding of the relationship of smoking and cholesterol levels to cardiovascular health. It is likely that, just as there are behavioral routes to healthy bodies, there are behavioral routes to healthy minds. The linkage of studies of brain Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical and behavior across the life span will result, in critical knowledge that will allow individuals to take

control of their cognitive future and alter the neurobiological age of Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical their minds. Such an outcome offers huge rewards to both individuals and to our society. A tremendous national others investment in the neuroscience of cognitive aging combined with committed effort, and generous cooperation among scholars is needed. Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the National Institute on Aging Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Program in preparation of this paper (R01AGO6265-15) awarded to all authors (D. Park, Principal Investigator). Additional support was provided by the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (DC04205) to T. Polk, and by the National Institute of Mental Health (MH01258) to S. Taylor.
Many of the body’s systems that function to maintain optimal health and well-being decline with advancing age. Aerobic capacity, muscle mass, and strength all progressively decline with age.